Charity Navigator, the leading independent evaluator of more than 8,000 charities nationwide, has awarded Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) in Juno Beach 4 stars — its highest rating.
“Only 14% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 3 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Loggerhead Marinelife Center outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets LMC apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness,” said Charity Navigator CEO Michael Thatcher.
This high rating means that “donors can trust that their dollars serve our important mission: promote conservation of ocean ecosystems with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles,” said LMC Board Chair Brian Waxman. “I applaud our President and CEO Jack Lighton and his adept team for maintaining such strong metrics in financial health, accountability and transparency.”
Achieving a 4-star rating takes commitment, focus and discipline across all of an organization’s functions, noted Bradley Hurlburt, President, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “A top rating 3 years in a row is evidence that LMC provides the leadership that philanthropic donors look for when giving. We are proud to partner with LMC as their financial partner and manager of their permanently restricted endowment.”
Loggerhead Marinelife Center is one of Palm Beach County’s top attractions, drawing more than 300,000 residents and tourists each year. Education is at the core of the Center’s portfolio.
Annually, over 30 distinct programs are offered over 1,000 times, welcoming more than 50,000 registered students, half of whom are area school children visiting the sea turtle hospital on field trips. Entrance to the Center is free. “In addition to our world-class sea turtle hospital, we educate the public on the importance of ocean and sea turtle conservation. Our Center is also a research hub and is coordinating conservation programs with 16 partners across the globe in an effort to share knowledge and increase our conservation impact,” said Jack Lighton.
“During my 28 years as County Commissioner, I worked with many groups to enhance the quality of life in North County. Loggerhead Marinelife Center does this beautifully and with great fiscal responsibility. It’s one reason I’m so proud to be a member of the LMC Board,” says Karen Marcus, president, Sustainable Palm Beach County.